Kanyama residents loot Macky 2’s nightclub

The nightclub, which was officially opened on Friday night, was on Saturday filled to capacity as patrons jostled to make their way into the former Titanic Nightclub.

Part of Los Angeles Road near Lady Diana School was filled as many residents wanted to catch a glimpse of Macky 2, who was scheduled to perform at the venue, but were restrained as security demanded that they pay.

But at about 22:00hours when information filtered through that entry was free of charge, irate fans began to throw stones and forced their way in, bringing down the gate in the process.

The fans immediately rushed to loot drinks, property and beat up fellow patrons and staff.
People began to scamper to safety as some were already nursing injuries.

Security failed to calm the situation down as the residents started burning property. It only took the help of the Police Flying Squad unit who shot in the air to disperse the crowds.

About eight motor vehicles had their windscreens shattered in the fracas.

Macky 2 failed to go on stage because equipment was destroyed by the violent residents and was only ushered out of the venue by armed police officers.

And in an interview yesterday, Macky 2 described the occurrence as heartbreaking.

“I decided to bring a place where artistes can perform so that we can appreciate their support, so that we can bring what they love closer to them. I worked on this project for six months,” Macky 2 said.

“I can’t even begin to tell you how much I spent. I had already paid rent and we opened on Friday, it has taken not only money but a lot of my time. I don’t know whether it is competitors around, I don’t know. I don’t know what to think anymore. That’s why we called it Ghetto Fabulous; we wanted a fabulous place in the ghetto. So it is heartbreaking. This is just the beginning, I don’t believe in quitting,” said Macky 2, whose real names are Mulaza Kaira.

And Lusaka police commissioner Charity Katanga, who also confirmed the incident, said police are still investigating the matter.

“Macky 2 opened a bar there and invited some people; it was free for all. After members of the public [started coming] in, security started charging instead of [allowing them] free of charge. When information filtered that they were not supposed to pay, there was pandemonium and the gate was destroyed, the club was looted, property was destroyed and the residents even beat up some people there,” said Katanga.

And the owner of the property, Ethel Chiwalo, who was at the scene, bemoaned the incident as she broke down in tears.